Dressing your baby in the winter

Winter is different in every state, some places never experience cold, like Florida for example. But if you’re living in a colder state, such as Alaska you need to know how to dress your baby on cold days.

While winter is enjoyable, it is also a time when infections and illnesses can occur and spread, such as the common cold, cough, influenza, pneumonia, etc. Therefore, you need to dress your baby well and keep him/her warm and comfortable at all times. Quality nutrition also plays a huge role in baby’s immune system.

You don’t want your baby to get cold outside, but overheating can be dangerous as well. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to dress your baby for colder weather.

Tips for dressing your baby in winter

• Layers – When the weather gets colder and you have to go outside for even a moment, you should add layers of clothing for your baby. Start with a bodysuit, add a sweater or sweatshirt over the bodysuit. On top of the second layer, you can add a coat, jacket, or snowsuit. If you feel that your child’s legs will get cold, you can place pants or long underwear under pair of sweatpants. You should not overdo it when it comes to layers in cold weather. Babies can overheat just as easily as they can get cold. 
• Don’t use coats/jackets in the car – When going outdoors but travelling in a car first, you should consider how your baby is dressed. Cars can heat up quickly, and you wouldn’t want your baby to overheat. Be sure to remove hats, gloves, and coats inside the car. 
• Don’t forget hat – Leaving our heads uncovered in the cold can cause us to lose significant amounts of body heat and energy (make sure to find a warm place to have some feeding time if you plan on staying outside for longer periods), so wearing a hat is very important. Also, it’s smart to bring an extra hat, in case one falls on the ground, gets wet or gets lost. 
• Keep eye on your child – Make sure you keep checking your baby to see if they’re too hot or too cold. Taking off a layer may be necessary if feet feel warm, the belly or back is sweaty or they’re red in the face. A person’s temperature can also be gauged by feeling their hair from the neck area – if it’s moist, they are too warm; if it’s cold, they are too cold. 
• One plus – Dress your baby for cold weather by adding one extra layer above what you are comfortable in. It is a good rule of thumb to follow when dressing your baby during cold weather. 
• Carry a blanket – Even if you dress your child in many layers, it’s good to carry a blanket just in case your baby gets cold.

How long can you stay outside with your baby?

In winter, since babies lose body heat quickly, you should limit walks in the cold. This is especially important if the temperature outside drops below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and winds are strong. Pay attention to your baby if he/she starts to cry, that might be a sign that he/she is getting cold and uncomfortable. If your infant is premature, you should consult your doctor before exposing him or her to the cold.

Final thoughts

While caring for your little one in the winter brings particular challenges, the truth is that even the smallest members of your family can enjoy the season with a little planning, a little care, and correct clothing.